Concerns about Qld tourism industry amid disaster recovery

AS IMAGES of a flood-ravaged Queensland flash across news updates around the globe, the state's tourism operators are anxiously trying to get the real message out - Queensland is open to tourists.

Trying to prevent the consequences of widespread disaster coverage following the 2011 flood disaster, tourism agencies - including the Queensland Tourism Industry Council and Tourism Queensland - are drafting initiatives to push through a positive image of holidaying in the Sunshine State.

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One man tweeted: "Aunty went on holiday with her husband and kids to Queensland. A roof fell on their car, they won't be able to come home today".

Another tweeter posted: "Go to Queensland for a holiday hoping to tan by the beach all week. But instead cop non-stop rain, floods and tornadoes. Take me home!!!"

But as the flood water recedes, Mr Gschwind is confident the industry will bounce back.

"I think it will blow over and we will continue what has been over the past 12 months a very upward trend for the tourism industry," he said.

Tourism Minister Jan Stuckey is singing a similar tune.

"Some tourism operators in places like Capricornia, Bundaberg and the Lockyer Valley have been more affected than others by the past week, and we are working with them and our Regional Tourist Organisations to help them recover as quickly as possible," she said.

"For other premier tourist destinations from the Gold Coast to Tropical North Queensland and in the Outback, it's business as usual."